Belva Yvonne Knox

Belva Yvonne Knox

Wife, farm partner, world traveller, bee keeper, wine-maker, musician, artist, chef, Mom, Nana, Sister, friend. Born 3 February 1938 in Weyburn, Sask.; Died 30 October 2014 in Assiniboia, Sask. of ovarian cancer.

Belva, the eldest and only girl in a family of four children, grew up in various locations in southern Saskatchewan, moving with her parents Lyle and Ida, and brothers, Jim, Ron and Greg, as Lyle advanced within Canada Post, concluding as post master in Assiniboia.

Belva married Douglas Knox, a local aviator, on May 7 1955. Family and friends, aviation and flying were to be the mainstays of almost 60 years of marriage. Hal, and the twins, Michael and Liz Ann were raised on a farm near Mazenod, Sask., acquired in 1960. It was a tenuous beginning. Mountains of debt with an uncertain future, the farm house being a 2 story old bank building with a lean-to summer kitchen had no power, a hand water pump, a wood stove, and a honey pail in the basement. But Mom never complained, ever. She was committed to building a life with Dad. And what a wonderful life it was!

With the house renovated by 1964, and the farm and flying business holding their own, Mom tackled her concerns about flying by confronting the situation head on, with quiet determination as was her way, by earning her Private Pilot’s licence in February 1965. She continued to be Dad’s co-pilot and navigator to the end.

Belva and Doug were early members of the Saskatchewan Chapter of the International Flying Farmers (IFF) organization, building a social network of lifelong friends across North America. In 1977, Belva was selected by the delegates to the IFF Convention in Duluth Minnesota as IFF Duchess (hostess), an IFF officer, recognizing her unassuming nurturing ability to lead by making all feel welcome in any situation. She spent her year sharing her talents making many new friends amongst the organizations then some 11,000 members, with many world travels to follow with these friends in the ensuing years.

Belva appreciated music; and took steps to ensure her children did too! She took great pleasure in mastering the French Horn as a member of the Assiniboia Community Band, all while keeping a watchful eye on her children as they participated too. Marching in the parades of many towns and villages in the Assiniboia area in preparation for the annual Moose Jaw Band Festival and the Calgary Stampede in 1973 was a family affair. Belva was also a spiritual person; she joined of the Assiniboia Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1958, becoming Worthy Matron in 1974, serving with her father Lyle, who was Worthy Patron.

During her father’s retirement years, Belva and Lyle shared the experience of keeping a number of bee hives; during which time family and friends did not want for sweetness! Later Belva branched out into wine-making, bottles routinely shared with all who frequented the farm.

Starting in 1980, Belva and Doug wintered in Arizona. When not playing tennis or golf Belva explored her artistic talents taking up oil painting and sewing hardanger, Belva frequently entertained her extensive circle of friends at Venture Out in Mesa, AZ. While in Az. Belva was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, whose primary focus is to support educational activities for female students worldwide. Education was always important to Belva.

The Mazenod farm remains the family hub. Throughout the years, hosting gatherings for family and friends was Belva’s forte, she enjoyed nothing more than cooking for and feeding all that accepted her open invitation to share a meal. Christmas; Easter; Thanksgiving; birthdays; graduations; marriages; and births were always remembered and celebrated. Nana, as she became, was a constant force of unconditional support and the glue of the family. Over the years, the farm became the “summer cottage”, where grandchildren stayed with Nana and Papa while taking swimming lessons.

Predeceased by parents, Ida and Lyle Lawrence, and son-in-law Gerry Beam, Belva is survived by her mate of 60 years, Doug, children Hal (Carol), Michael, and Liz Ann Beam, grandchildren Aaron (Michela), Sara (Stephen), Matthew; Tyler (Michelle), Amanda; Jeremy; great grandchildren, Briar, Hollin and Liam, three brothers Jim (Myrna), Ron (Donna), and Greg (Christine) and families.

Belva’s Celebration of Life was held in Ross Funeral Chapel, Assiniboia, Sask. at 2:00 pm, November 5, 2014. Wendy Gibson officiated. Tribute was delivered by her children. Funeral Rites were conducted by the Assiniboia Chapter #8, Order of the Eastern Star. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. Donations can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Canada society at www.ovariancancer.org or PO Box 868, Shellbrook, SK S0J 2E0. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. Tributes and condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com